Inflammatory bowel disease pertains to a set of conditions, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which involve chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.

The latest research is revealing this inflammation is from the body itself, attacking a harmless bacteria, virus, or food in the gut. Which can end up causing injury to the bowel.

Crohn’s disease typically affects the colon and/or the last part of the small intestine, but can affect any part of the intestinal tract, from the rectum to the mouth.

Ulcerative colitis involves the large intestine or colon.

Those with Inflammatory bowel disease, typically experience flare-ups with severe symptoms, alternated with symptom free or periods of mild-symptoms.

Inflammatory bowel disease has many similar symptoms of other gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome and food intolerances. Which is why it is so important to have a specialist properly diagnose you.

Inflammatory bowel disease symptoms include:

Abdominal pain and cramps

Loss of appetite and/or weight loss

Iron deficiency anemia from loss of blood

Urgent need to have a bowel movement

Diarrhea and/or bloody stools

Fatigue

Fever

Many people with inflammatory bowel disease also develop other conditions. These conditions that coexist include, bone loss, kidney and liver disorders, inflammation of the eye, and skin conditions

How Crohn’s Disease affects the body

Crohn’s disease usually causes thickness of the bowel wall, it can also damage and cause inflation in different areas in the digestive tract, while other parts are left unaffected. The lower part of the small intestine is most commonly affected.

Sometimes the bowel wall can be penetrated with Crohn’s disease. This can cause ‘fistulas’ or abnormal connections between infected fluid collections or organs

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease 

Fatigue and/or fever

Lack of appetite

Persistent diarrhea

Rectal bleeding

Constipation

Feeling of bowel movements that are incomplete

Urgent need to have a bowel movement

Abdominal pain and cramping

Unintentional weight loss

Night sweats

Nausea

Those with Crohn’s disease can also have conditions that affect other parts of their body. This can be gallstones, arthritis, kidney stones, skin rashes, inflammation of the mouth or eyes, liver disease, and ulcers.

Treatments

There are many new treatments and medications for inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. It is important to get accurately diagnosed by a board certified gastroenterologist

The goal of Gastroenterologist Consultants of Central Florida is to improve your quality of life by effectively manage your inflammatory bowel condition.

Treatment for inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease, is highly individualized. Not one treatment works for everyone.